Welcome to our guide on how to say “obedient” in Spanish! Whether you’re learning the language for work, travel, or personal reasons, expanding your vocabulary is essential. In this guide, we’ll cover both the formal and informal ways to express “obedient” in Spanish, and provide tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Obedient”
If you want to use a formal term to describe someone as “obedient” in Spanish, consider these options:
1. Obediente: This word is the direct translation of “obedient” in Spanish. It can be used to describe both males and females, as it is a gender-neutral term. For example:
– Juan es un estudiante obediente. (Juan is an obedient student.)
– María es muy obediente con sus padres. (María is very obedient with her parents.)
2. Sumiso/a: Although this word can sometimes carry a negative connotation implying excessive obedience, it can still be used in formal contexts. It emphasizes submission and compliance. Examples:
– La empleada es sumisa a las órdenes de su jefe. (The employee is obedient to her boss’s orders.)
– El perro es obediente y sumiso con su dueño. (The dog is obedient and submissive to its owner.)
2. Informal Ways to Say “Obedient”
When talking in an informal setting or with friends, you might prefer using more colloquial terms to express “obedient” in Spanish. Here are a few options:
1. Aplicado/a: This term describes someone who is studious and disciplined, often used to refer to obedient students. It suggests a combination of obedience and commitment to work or study. Examples:
– Mi hijo es muy aplicado en la escuela. (My son is very obedient at school.)
– Ana siempre ha sido una niña aplicada. (Ana has always been an obedient girl.)
2. Bien educado/a: While not directly meaning “obedient,” this phrase is commonly used to describe someone who has been well brought up and behaves correctly in different situations. It implies a sense of manners and good behavior:
– Los niños de esa familia son muy bien educados. (The children from that family are very obedient.)
3. Regional Variations
Spanish is spoken in various countries, and certain regions may have specific terms or expressions to convey the concept of “obedient” in more colloquial ways. Here are a few examples:
- Mexico: In Mexico, you might hear the word “obediente” or the slang term “manejo” to describe someone as obedient.
- Argentina: In Argentina, the phrase “bien portado/a” is commonly used, which means “well-behaved.” It is often used to describe obedient children.
- Spain: In Spain, besides using “obediente,” you might come across the colloquial term “cumplidor/a,” which conveys someone who fulfills their obligations and responsibilities.
Tips for Using “Obedient” in Spanish
Now that you have some terminology and examples of how to say “obedient” in Spanish, here are a few additional tips:
- Context Matters: When using any of these terms, make sure you consider the context in which you are using them. What may be appropriate in one situation might not be in another.
- Gender Agreement: Spanish assigns genders to nouns, so when using adjectives like “obediente” or “sumiso/a,” remember to match them with the gender of the person or object you are referring to.
- Politeness: While expressing obedience is important, be aware that using terms like “sumiso/a” can sometimes carry a negative connotation. So, it’s better to use them cautiously and consider the appropriate level of politeness.
To sum up, when it comes to expressing “obedient” in Spanish, you can use formal options like “obediente” and “sumiso/a,” as well as more informal terms like “aplicado/a” or “bien educado/a.” Remember to use region-specific variations if you’re in a particular Spanish-speaking country. Be mindful of context and gender agreement, and always consider the appropriate level of politeness too. Now, go and confidently describe someone as “obedient” in Spanish!
